Suspected burglar appears in court after key safe break-ins

A man has appeared in court following a series of burglaries targeting homes with key safes.

Police have been investigating a number of break-ins at properties in the south of Nottingham and Rushcliffe areas during recent weeks.

Some of the incidents involved elderly and vulnerable victims, with homes being ransacked and various items stolen.

Additional targeted patrols were put in place in affected areas as house-to-house inquiries, CCTV analysis and other local investigations were carried out by detectives.

Craig Mercer, of Marshall Drive, Ruddington has now been charged with four counts of burglary.

The charges relate to break-ins at Blake Road, West Bridgford, on 29 January 2025, Musters Road, Ruddington, on 21 December 2024, Scarf Walk, Wilford, on 17 February 2025, and Buttery Gardens, Ruddington, on 18 February 2025.

Investigations continue into a number of other reported burglaries in the area.

The 34-year-old has also been charged with theft of a motor vehicle, aggravated vehicle taking and driving without insurance following an incident on 18 February in which a car was stolen in Maid Marian Way, Nottingham.

He appeared at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court today (7 March) and was remanded in custody until 4 April when he is expected to attend Nottingham Crown Court.

Inspector Steve Dalby, neighbourhood policing inspector for city south, said:

“These charges have been achieved through team work involving detectives and uniformed officers across multiple policing departments.

“We hope residents in the areas affected, particularly elderly and vulnerable people, feel safer thanks to the patrols introduced in the wake of these incidents and the robust investigations carried out alongside them.

“We continue to advise people to check their home security.

“Key safes are generally convenient and a reassurance, especially for vulnerable people.

“However, we’re concerned that key safes fixed on walls next to front doors are more likely to be targeted.

“To protect your home and belongings, we’re advising people to consider relocating the key safe to somewhere less obvious and out of general view from passers-by. 

“We’d also urge residents to make sure the key safe is of good quality and made of strong material, preferably one that comes with “Secured By Design” approved accreditation, and that it is securely fastened to a wall.

"We'd advise people to change the combination to the safe regularly, and to consider taking the key out when they know they won’t need it, such as at night.

"It is also advisable if you have a key safe that you don't use, to leave it open showing nothing inside which would remove the temptation of a passing opportunist."

Police teams are continuing to work together to tackle and prevent burglary in the Clifton area as part of a multifaceted problem management plan put in place by the force’s Prevention Hub.

For more advice on home security, visit Protecting your home from crime | Crime prevention | Nottinghamshire Police